THEATER: Dead Man's Cell Phone

Millbrook Playhouse is loaded with talent this summer and the current play, DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE introduces us to another group of accomplished actors and crew. Directed by Elysa Marden, this comedy shows us how we have come to depend on technology in order to communicate with each other, but instead of keeping us connected, it can isolate us even more.

Jean ( Annalisa Chamberlin) is sitting in a small restaurant when the cell phone at the next table starts to ring. Impatient with the phone’s owner, Jean answers it. After she discovers that the man, Gordon (Jonathan Weber) is dead, she becomes involved with helping his mistress, mother, wife, and brother deal with their grief in addition to getting involved with his shady business. Annalisa carries the show on very capable shoulders.

This plot gives the actors plenty of room to show acting skills. Gordon’s mother (Laura Tashji) gives a eulogy that covered how most of us feel about cell phones in public. Yes, a eulogy is a rather weird place for such a lecture. Gordon’s wife (Cara Maltz) in a cocktail laced moment revels more than Jean or the audience needs to know.

Jonathan Weber also plays Gordon’s brother Dwight. The contrasting personalities of the brothers are enough of an acting feat, but Jonathan also has a soliloquy that impressed the audience. Ashley Klanac as the Other Woman has proven to Millbrook patrons that she is a fine character actor. I am waiting to see her play a part without the eccentric make-up and accent.

The play, the acting, the creative set design, the subtle costuming, etc. all make for an interesting evening. The only thing that I find annoying this summer is the fact that the actors are helping with set changes. It is understandable if the waiter or maid help to move pieces of set, but it breaks character for a lead to do so, especially if he is “dead”.

DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE will run in the Cabaret until July 15th . It will be followed by I’ll Be Back Before Midnight. You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown opens July 12th for a two week run on the Main Stage.

For reservations call 570-748-8088.